The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
As a child he sees the mountain
and hopes that someday he will climb
As the same she sees the dancer
and trusts in the dreams she will find
As we reach into tomorrow
we all need to find something new
Could it be I've found the answer
'cause I know now that I'm ready
What I want is you
Chorus
Don't keep me waiting, hanging on the line
Keep me waiting. Oh yeah
And I know what you are thinking
If only I could take the time to choose
You'd better get it right, cause it's time to see the light
And the minutes keep on passing, Hey you don't want to lose
Chorus
Don't keep me waiting, hanging on the line
Keep me waiting, don't waste my precious time
Don't keep me waiting, the devil needs his due
Keep me waiting. Oh no, no no no
And all the hopes and dreams of the past
That are haunting my heart, held in my hand
And all lives keep on passing
Over and over and over again
Ain't no matter now what you say, gonna keep on up anyway
keep me waiting, hanging on the line
Keep me waiting, don't waste my precious time
Don't keep me waiting, the devil needs his due
Keep me waiting. Oh no, no no
and hopes that someday he will climb
As the same she sees the dancer
and trusts in the dreams she will find
As we reach into tomorrow
we all need to find something new
Could it be I've found the answer
'cause I know now that I'm ready
What I want is you
Chorus
Don't keep me waiting, hanging on the line
Keep me waiting. Oh yeah
And I know what you are thinking
If only I could take the time to choose
You'd better get it right, cause it's time to see the light
And the minutes keep on passing, Hey you don't want to lose
Chorus
Don't keep me waiting, hanging on the line
Keep me waiting, don't waste my precious time
Don't keep me waiting, the devil needs his due
Keep me waiting. Oh no, no no no
And all the hopes and dreams of the past
That are haunting my heart, held in my hand
And all lives keep on passing
Over and over and over again
Ain't no matter now what you say, gonna keep on up anyway
keep me waiting, hanging on the line
Keep me waiting, don't waste my precious time
Don't keep me waiting, the devil needs his due
Keep me waiting. Oh no, no no
Lyrics submitted by T-CAP75
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This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
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I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Wow! I am the first person to comment on this band, let alone this song! Now, my uncle plays bass in this band so if anybody (That is assuming that somebody will eventually post here; not a given) disses his playing style you'll have to answer to me! Now, this is the best song off the Heaven and Earth self-titled album. I couldn't really get into the album too much because I'm, well, I'm into more alternative music, but I appreciate the bluesy songs and Stuart Smith's (As well as the many guest stars; Kelly Hansen sings this song) playing style. This is without a doubt the catchiest song on the album, and is the one song on the album that I listen to regulary. The lyrics (Speaking about the whole album) may not have much depth, but are inspired. This, in my opinion, is a classic rock revivalist album, and it functions as that well.
I think this about one wanting to accomplish something, like a goal that one has, but for some reason, it's pushed back, and the narrator seems bent on accomplishing it now (That's where the "don't keep me waiting" line comes from). Nice song to put on when you are in a traffic jam or waiting in a long line, the lyrics fit the situation perfectly, lol.